Bing Russell (May 5, 1926 - April 8, 2003) was an Americanactor and baseball club owner. He was best known for playing the role of Deputy Clem Foster on Bonanza, beginning in 1959 and of Robert in The Magnificent Seven in 1960.

Russell was the father of Golden Globe nominated actor, Kurt Russell. He was also grandfather of an American actor, Wyatt Russell, who is also a former professional hockey player. Wyatt is the son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.[1] Russell was also grandfather of a former major league baseball player, Matt Franco, who is Kurt Russell's nephew.

Bing Russell owned the Portland Mavericks, the only independent team in their league, from 1973 through 1977. He kept more players on his team than he needed, because he thought the players deserved to play for one last season. He believed in his players having fun. Many players who were not good enough for other teams came to his June try-outs. They were always open to anyone who showed up.

Kurt Russell, Russell's son, who played for the Mavericks and was vice president for the team, is in the movie.[3] It was directed by Chapman Way and Maclain Way, grandsons of Russell.[4] The movie was first shown at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2014.[5] It began being shown on Netflix on July 11, 2014.[6]

Scott Foundas of Variety, said that "So rife with underdog victors and hairpin twists of fortune that, if it weren't all true, no one would believe it."[7] Duane Byrge, writing in The Hollywood Reporter, praised the movie. He said that "The Battered Bastards of Baseball is not just about baseball. It transcends the game and is a charming anti-establishment yarn that should delight audiences who don't even know an r.b.i. from a balk."[8]

Dustin Krcatovich, from Esquire, wrote "easily one of the most raucously entertaining films to come out this year, and the best sports documentary in a while."[9] Katie Walsh of Indiewire gave the movie a B+ grade. She said "The Batterered Bastards of Baseball is an entertaining celebration of the independent spirit and the love of the game."[10]